Who was fired:Pat Shurmur (9-23 in two seasons) and general manager Tom Heckert.

What happened: The Browns improved from 4-12 to 5-11 over Shurmur's two years, and after an infusion of offensive skill talent through the draft, it was evident they were a lot better than one game in the standings. The problem is Shurmur was brought in during the Randy Lerner-Mike Holmgren era. With new owner Jimmy Haslam and Joe Banner as the recently hired chief executive officer, it was clear they wanted to put their own stamp on the organization, which included dismissing Heckert along with Shurmur.

Pat Shurmur made progress in Cleveland, just not enough for a new owner. (AP Photo)

In a highly competitive AFC North, the Browns' new brass is as hungry for a playoff-caliber team as the fan base, especially while watching division rivals Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Cincinnati combine for five playoff trips in the past two seasons.

What's next: Now that Shurmur is gone, Haslam and Banner admitted they are committed to getting a big-name coach first before hiring a personnel man to pair with him. Just how big of a fish will the Browns reel in to the shores of Lake Erie? SN correspondent Steve Doerschuk suggests they might give it a high-profile college try again after once convincing Butch Davis to leave the University of Miami.

What they need: The Browns have a pretty good defensive nucleus, especially with linebacker D'Qwell Jackson anchoring the front seven. The key is to keep developing the offensive promise with the rookie trio of running back Trent Richardson, wide receiver Josh Gordon and quarterback Brandon Weeden. The pieces are there to be a lot better than a five-win team with added experience and more cohesiveness. They're primed for the quick turnaround with someone who can get the most out of talented, but mostly young players.

Who would fit: This year's best college models include Alabama national championship guru Nick Saban a former Browns defensive coordinator under Bill Belichick. To keep up the offensive promise, Oregon's Chip Kelly also has great appeal.

Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, for whom Cleveland would be a homecoming of sorts, is reportedly interested if he becomes a candidate. Banner's leftover ties to the Eagles put Andy Reid on the list, along with Browns offensive coordinator Brad Childress. Other offensive coordinators ripe for every opening are the Colts' Bruce Arians and the Broncos' Mike McCoy.

How good is the job? In a landscape of what seem like more appealing jobs in Philadelphia and Chicago, Cleveland is underrated. It's a chance for a confident, swaggered coach to match wits twice a season with Mike Tomlin, John Harbaugh and Marvin Lewis, whose jobs are very secure going forward. It's a chance to get the Browns back on the map in their second NFL life, and last year's draft is a great foundation for both the new coach and GM.